South Carolina Semi Truck Accidents: Common Causes and Potential Outcomes

Truckers play an important role in society — they transport groceries, construction supplies, medicine, and almost anything else you can think of. However, when they cause semi truck accidents, the consequences can be dire.

Here’s what you need to know about semi truck accidents, what causes them, and what happens after.

What Leads to Semi Truck Accidents in South Carolina?

The causes of semi truck accidents are just as varied as the causes of passenger vehicle accidents. However, these are some of the most common situations leading up to semi truck crashes.

Driver Fatigue

Federal guidelines require truckers to rest after a certain number of hours on the road. However, some trucking companies push drivers to skip mandatory breaks. When this happens, drivers can become drowsy — and much more likely to cause accidents.

Improper Cargo Loading

Loading companies are usually responsible for securing cargo. If cargo is improperly loaded, it may cause the driver to lose control of the truck and cause an accident.

Driving While Distracted

Any driver can become distracted, and given the long hours they spend on the road, it’s especially easy for truckers to lose focus. Unfortunately, even a moment of inattention can result in an accident.

Speeding

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly one-third of traffic fatalities are speed-related. Given their large size and long stopping distance, speeding semi trucks are especially dangerous.

Laws and Regulations for Semi Trucks

Trucking is a highly regulated industry, and both drivers and trucking companies must follow strict guidelines, including these:

• Drivers must take a 30-minute break after every eight hours on the road
• Drivers must submit to drug and alcohol tests
• Trucks must be equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track driving hours
• Trucks must be inspected pre- and post-trip
• Trucks may not exceed weight limits based on size and number of axels

If you have been hurt in a semi truck accident, a truck accident lawyer can take a close look at the driver and trucking company to see if they violated any applicable laws.

Injuries That Happen in Semi Truck Accidents

Accidents with semi trucks often lead to life-altering injuries like these:

• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Crush injuries
• Broken bones
• Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Lacerations

Proving the severity of your injuries is a key part of any personal injury case. Your attorney may rely on your medical records, testimony from your doctors, and expert opinions to provide crucial evidence.

Seeking Justice After a Semi Truck Accident

It’s easy to feel powerless in the wake of an accident. However, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries — and the negligent driver, trucking company, and other parties should be held accountable.

A personal injury attorney may be able to recover compensation for you. While it can’t undo the accident, financial compensation can cover your medical costs and allow you to support yourself as you heal.

FAQ

Who Is Liable in a Semi Truck Accident?

Often, both the driver and the trucking company are liable. However, loading companies, truck manufacturers, and maintenance companies could be liable in some circumstances.

How Can You Strengthen Your Case in a Trucking Accident Lawsuit?

The best way to strengthen your case is to consult a truck accident attorney. Your lawyer can investigate the background of the driver and company. They can also hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most semi truck accident lawyers work on contingency. That means you pay nothing up front. If your lawyer wins your case, you agree to pay them a certain portion of the total compensation.

The Right Representation Makes All the Difference

In any personal injury case, it’s important to have a skilled attorney advocating for you. However, in a semi truck accident, your choice of legal representation is even more critical. Trucking companies have considerable assets and experienced attorneys on their side, and they will use both to try to minimize their responsibility for your accident.

The team at Clore Law Group isn’t afraid to stand up for your rights. We have extensive experience taking on negligent trucking companies — and winning. If you’ve been hurt in a semi truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.